Major Tucson December and Winter Events

Winterhaven Festival of Lights from December 11-26th this is the 61st year for one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the country.http://www.winterhavenfestival.org/

Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Artsis a free two day festival held on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5, 2010with more than 200 local and national artisans, food vendors, children’s activities, and live music. Held at the Oro Valley Marketplace, Northwest Corner of Oracle Rd. and Tangerine. 10am - 4pm. Website: http://www.southernazfestivals.org/festivalofthearts.html

Art in the Park at Tohono Chul Park runs through December 30. Join a docent-led Art in the Park tour each Tuesday and Thursday at 11AM. Go to www.tohonochulpark.org for current exhibit listings.

Guided Tours of the Historic Temple of Music and Art at Temple of Music and Art 11:30 AM. ATC is pleased to offer tours of the historic Temple of Music and Art at 11:30 AM on the following dates: 10/2, 10/23, 11/6, 12/4, 12/11, 1/22, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5, 4/16/2011. 330 S. Scott Ave. Contact Don Gest (520) 884-8210 x8610.

Many Mexicos: Vistas de la Frontera exhibit at the Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona campus. Includes a Maya ritual corn vessel, Spanish colonial retablos, Santa Anna's sword and uniform, Maximilian's ring and Carlota's brooch, and a sombrero that may well have belonged to Pancho Villa.Mon  Sat, 10 a.m.  5 p.m. The exhibit runs for two years. www.StateMuseum.Arizona.Edu.

The 2nd Annual Tamale Festival is held on December 9, 2010 with City Councilor Regina Romero and Staff to celebrate the spirit of the season, eat our favorite tamales at the 2nd Annual Tamale Contest. The featured artist this year is local artist/mom Tanya Alvarez. In addition they’ll have festive sounds from local musicians. Sample treats from the tamale festival holiday buffet! 4 p.m. Tamale Contest Begins. 5:30-8 p.m. Tamale Party and Art. Opening. Held at the Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento (located West of I-10 on W. Congress St, across from the El Rio Health Center). There are three tamale contest categories: sweet, meat and unique. Enter as many categories as you like. For each entry submit one dozen to eat and one dozen to share. Celebrity tasters include Pablo Martinez of Casa Vicente, Patricia Schwabe of Tooley’s Cafe, and Ernesto Portillo from La Estrella de Tucson. Prizes will be given in each category. To register or for more information please contact the Ward I Council Office at (520)791-4040 or [email protected] .

IT's 40th Anniversary Special Event

FIRST TAKES Play Reading Series, at the Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Ave at Drachman, made possible in part through the generous support of Doug and Laura Mance. See the December daily listings for more details about each Invisible Theater performance.

December 6 & 7, 2010: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, CHARLES DICKENS AND COUNT LEO TOLSTOY by Scott Carter

December 10 & 12, 2010: LOOK MA, WE’RE DANCING by Janet Neipris

December 11 & 12, 2010: WETBACK by Elaine Romero

$10 or the 3 play series for $20. Call (520) 882-9721 for reservations and information. RUSH TICKETS: One half-hour prior to curtain for any scheduled performance, tickets are available for half price, subject to availability.